Buttercup Venues: Iconic Super Bowl Commercials and the Creative Spaces That Bring Them to Life
The Super Bowl is more than just a football game—it's the world’s biggest stage for brands to showcase their creativity, innovation, and storytelling. With over 100 million viewers tuning in annually, a Super Bowl commercial isn’t just an ad—it’s a cultural event. Behind every memorable Super Bowl ad is a team of visionary creatives who bring the concept to life, and at the heart of it all is the perfect location.
At Buttercup Venues, we understand the importance of finding the right space to make ambitious ideas a reality. Whether you’re shooting a high-concept commercial, a cinematic masterpiece, or a humorous spot that will go viral, our uniquely curated Los Angeles venues provide the perfect backdrops for your production. Let’s take a closer look at 10 iconic Super Bowl commercials, the creative minds behind them, and how Buttercup Venues can elevate your next project.
1. Apple – “1984” (1984)
Director: Ridley Scott
Location: Filmed in London on a dystopian-style soundstage with elaborate sets.
Why It’s Iconic: This revolutionary ad, inspired by George Orwell’s 1984, introduced the Apple Macintosh to the world. Its dramatic visuals and storytelling changed the way commercials were perceived.
Rolling Stone's Take: "The commercial that turned advertising into art."
Buttercup Venues offers cinematic warehouses and customizable spaces perfect for bold, high-concept productions like this.
2. Coca-Cola – “Hey Kid, Catch!” (1979)
Director: N. Lee Lacy
Location: Filmed at a football stadium and locker room set.
Why It’s Iconic: Featuring football legend Mean Joe Greene, this heartwarming ad remains one of the most beloved Super Bowl commercials of all time.
Rolling Stone's Take: "Proof that simplicity and emotion go hand in hand."
Buttercup Venues’ sports-inspired locations and flexible spaces can help recreate authentic, emotional storytelling.
3. Budweiser – “Whassup?” (2000)
Director: Charles Stone III
Location: Shot in a casual home setting.
Why It’s Iconic: This ad captured the zeitgeist of the early 2000s and became a pop-culture phenomenon, proving that humor and relatability sell.
Rolling Stone's Take: "A commercial that launched a thousand catchphrases."
Buttercup Venues’ versatile studio spaces can be transformed into any setting, from homes to casual hangouts, to suit comedic and relatable ads.
4. Nike – “Air Jordan: Become Legendary” (2008)
Director: David Fincher
Location: Filmed in a sleek studio and outdoor basketball court.
Why It’s Iconic: This cinematic ad featured Michael Jordan’s legendary career and spoke to the power of perseverance and greatness.
Rolling Stone's Take: "A visual love letter to one of the greatest athletes of all time."
Buttercup Venues offers sports-themed and sleek spaces that are perfect for capturing athletic excellence and storytelling.
5. Old Spice – “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” (2010)
Director: Tom Kuntz
Location: Filmed on a dynamic soundstage with elaborate set transitions.
Why It’s Iconic: This humorous, fast-paced ad became a viral sensation, redefining how personal care products are marketed.
Rolling Stone's Take: "A masterclass in humor and visual creativity."
Buttercup Venues’ dynamic studio spaces provide the flexibility for innovative set designs and fast-paced transitions.
6. Pepsi – “Cindy Crawford” (1992)
Director: Joe Pytka
Location: Filmed at a rural gas station.
Why It’s Iconic: Featuring supermodel Cindy Crawford, this ad became an instant classic, showcasing the power of simplicity and star power.
Rolling Stone's Take: "Proof that less can be so much more."
Buttercup Venues’ outdoor and roadside-inspired locations offer the perfect backdrop for minimal yet impactful storytelling.
7. Amazon – “Alexa Loses Her Voice” (2018)
Director: Wayne McClammy
Location: Filmed in a state-of-the-art home and various celebrity-themed sets.
Why It’s Iconic: Featuring celebrities like Gordon Ramsay and Cardi B, this ad combined humor with an innovative concept to promote Alexa.
Rolling Stone's Take: "A perfect blend of star power and tech-driven storytelling."
Buttercup Venues’ state-of-the-art venues provide the perfect setting for tech-focused and celebrity-driven productions.
8. Doritos – “Crash the Super Bowl” Campaign (2006-2016)
Director: Various winners of the contest.
Location: Filmed in homes, backyards, and other everyday spaces.
Why It’s Iconic: This crowdsourced campaign empowered fans to create their own ads, leading to some of the most memorable and humorous commercials aired during the Super Bowl.
Rolling Stone's Take: "A revolutionary approach to advertising."
Buttercup Venues offers flexible spaces that allow for a wide variety of creative approaches, perfect for unique and unconventional campaigns.
9. E*TRADE – “Baby Trader” (2008)
Director: Randy Krallman
Location: Filmed in a studio with CGI-enhanced post-production.
Why It’s Iconic: The talking baby concept was both hilarious and relatable, making financial services fun and accessible.
Rolling Stone's Take: "Comedy meets innovation in a perfect blend."
Buttercup Venues’ production-ready studios are ideal for projects that require post-production enhancements like CGI.
10. Jeep – “Groundhog Day” (2020)
Director: Jake Szymanski
Location: Filmed in Punxsutawney-inspired outdoor locations.
Why It’s Iconic: Featuring Bill Murray reprising his role from Groundhog Day, this nostalgic ad captured humor, adventure, and the enduring appeal of Jeep.
Rolling Stone's Take: "A nostalgic masterpiece with a comedic twist."
Buttercup Venues’ outdoor and adventure-ready locations are perfect for ads that require natural beauty and cinematic storytelling.
Why Buttercup Venues is Perfect for Super Bowl Commercials
At Buttercup Venues, we understand that Super Bowl commercials require attention to detail, cinematic settings, and creative flexibility. Our properties are designed to meet the needs of production teams, providing the perfect canvas for unforgettable storytelling.
What We Offer:
Versatile Spaces: From industrial warehouses to state-of-the-art studios, we have venues for every type of concept.
Prime Locations: With properties across Los Angeles, we provide easy access to creative hubs and production resources.
Production-Ready: Our venues come equipped with the infrastructure needed for seamless production, including adaptable layouts and tech-friendly spaces.
Creative Freedom: Whether you’re creating a high-concept commercial or a humorous viral ad, our spaces are designed to adapt to your vision.
Conclusion
The Super Bowl is the ultimate platform for brands to captivate audiences with bold, innovative storytelling. Just as the iconic commercials listed above used the perfect locations to bring their ideas to life, you too can elevate your production with Buttercup Venues. Whether you’re looking for a sleek studio, a cinematic warehouse, or a dynamic outdoor setting, our curated Los Angeles venues are ready to meet the demands of your next blockbuster commercial.
Ready to create your next Super Bowl-worthy ad?
Explore our venues and start planning your project at Buttercup Venues.
